Tennessee Gas discusses controversial pipeline detour

As controversy brews between Pike County commissioners and the National Park Service over the path of a gas pipeline, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company has not said much publicly — until now.

BETH BRELJE

As controversy brews between Pike County commissioners and the National Park Service over the path of a gas pipeline, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company has not said much publicly — until now.

The controversy stems from Tennessee's northeast upgrade project, which involves installing 40 miles of new pipe. Much of the project will be placed along the company's right of way easement, where a pipeline already exists.

But one mile of the easement goes through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Rather than go through the park, Tennessee will divert the project in a seven-mile loop around the park, cutting through at least 11 private properties, forest, cliffs and across Cummins Hill Road in Milford and Westfall townships.

Tennessee met with the park service in 2010 to discuss using its easement for the project, but according to the project's environmental assessment, at that meeting park Superintendent John Donahue said a pipeline crossing the park would impact natural resources; the project would require legislation by Congress; and the NPS would likely oppose such legislation.

Word of the federal foot-dragging enraged Pike commissioners, who lambasted Donahue over the issue.

But the pipeline company filed a letter with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday that politely hints for Pike County critics to back off.

"While Tennessee appreciates the views of Pike County," the letter said, the environmental assessment does not support the conclusion of loop opponents that the existing pipeline is the only route that should be considered or approved by FERC.

"The nature of the (park) as a federal park and the obstacles to crossing the (park) are legitimate facts that (FERC) considered in determine the overall public interest," the letter said.

Pike County commissioners held a phone conference with NPS Northeast Region Dennis Reidenbach, Donahue's supervisor; and representatives from U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey's office.

Reidenbach repeatedly said that he was under the impression that the project could not fit in the 50-foot-wide right of way.

County Engineer Steve Vitale said he believed it could. Commissioner Matt Osterberg asked if the Park Service would support asking FERC to reverse its decision.

"I could not commit to that," Reidenbach said.

Because FERC gave preliminary approval for the loop route in May, construction could begin soon. But first, there is a June 27 deadline for interveners to ask FERC for a rehearing on the matter.

Pike County commissioners say they will continue to advocate for the route through the park.